Collector’s Guide: Porygon (Base Set #39)

Quick Facts

• Pokémon: Porygon
• HP: 30
• Type: Colorless
• Stage: Basic
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Illustrator: Tomoaki Imakuni
• Set: Base
• Card Number: 39/102
• Weakness: Fighting (×2)
• Resistance: Psychic (-30)
• Retreat Cost: 1

Porygon is a unique Basic Pokémon card from the original Base Set, notable for its low HP and utility-focused attacks. It has no abilities but features two attacks, Conversion 1 and Conversion 2, which allow strategic manipulation of the Defending Pokémon’s Weakness and Porygon’s Resistance, respectively.

Key Printings

This exact printing of Porygon appears solely in the Base Set, identified by the set code “base1” and card number 39. It is an Uncommon card illustrated by Tomoaki Imakuni, known for his distinctive art style in early Pokémon TCG releases.

Variants & Identifiers

• Set Name: Base
• Card Number: 39
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Illustrator: Tomoaki Imakuni
• Type: Colorless
• Stage: Basic
• Subtypes: Basic
• Regulation Mark: None (Base Set predates regulation marks)
• Print Variants: None documented for this exact printing
• Legality: unknown

Care & Storage Tips

To preserve the condition and value of this vintage Base Set card:

• Store in a protective sleeve and rigid top-loader or card saver.
• Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading of the artwork and text.
• Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
• Handle by the edges to minimize fingerprints and surface wear.

Set-by-Set Micro-summaries

• Base Set: Porygon #39 is part of the original 102-card Base Set released at the dawn of the Pokémon TCG. This set introduced many iconic Pokémon and gameplay mechanics. Porygon’s unique attacks reflect its digital, code-based nature, offering tactical options rather than raw power.